Bass Lessons Melbourne Player Profiles

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Ep. 60 - Kaveh Rastegar - Kneebody, John Legend, Sia Oct 01, 2020

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Kaveh Rastegar is a bassist, multi instrumentalist, producer and recording artist who has collaborated with a long list of artists. As a bassist, Rastegar is best known as a founding member of the genre-blurring, GRAMMY® Award-nominated quintet Kneebody, though he’s also toured the world with superstars like John Legend (and also appeared as his fictional counterpart in the beloved musical La La Land), recorded with artists like Shania Twain, Beck, Ringo Starr, Colin Hay and Ligabue served as musical director for singer/hitmaker Sia, and works with R&B sensation Sabrina Claudio as both songwriter and co-producer. As a songwriter, he’s penned songs with and for heavy-hitters like Bruno Mars, CeeLo Green, Meshell Ndegeocello, De La Soul, Dawn Richard, Kimbra, Marsha Ambrosius and Ciara, among many others. In 2018 Rastegar released of Light Of Love, his debut album as a leader, the bassist and songwriter strides boldly into the spotlight with a set of songs that draw on every aspect of his wildly diverse résumé to create a wholly individual sound. Like its striking cover art, Light of Love is a collage – of influences, experiences, and collaborations – that merge to form a mosaic portrait of collaborators and the vibrant Los Angeles music scene. He continues to collaborate on different projects including a new album out soon

Ep. 59 - Scott Ambush - Spyro Gyra Aug 14, 2020

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Five time Grammy nominated bassist, composer and luthier, Scott Ambush has been performing since the age of twelve. A native Marylander, Scott began playing electric bass when he discovered that the drum slot in the band he wanted to join was filled. Scott has no regrets. As a member of contemporary jazz super group, Spyro Gyra, he is known for his versatility, sensitivity and lyrical playing. Scott is equally at home in a wide range of musical contexts, having played with such luminaries as Stanley Turrentine, Dizzy Gillespie, Omar Hakim and Special EFX. He has backed R&B jazz instrumentalists, Chuck Loeb, Kirk Whalum, and Pieces of a Dream, among others; R&B vocalists Maysa Leak and Angela Bofil, as well as award winning Blues artist Deanna Bogart. Whether doing live dates or recording projects with Bogart, Jason Miles, Teresa DeSio (Italy), Misato Watanabe (Japan) or renowned Bollywood composer and producer, Sandeep Chowta, Scott’s varied experiences have served him well. When not touring with Spyro Gyra, Scott fronts his own group, Funkalociraptor! and designs, builds and sells the custom bass guitars that carry his name.

Ep. 58 - Neil Fairclough - QUEEN + Adam Lambert Jun 05, 2020

Show notes

Queen are rock'n'roll royalty, with an incredible legacy of hit songs and a worldwide fanbase that continues to grow, there seems to no end to their global domination after nearly 40yrs. So when I got the chance to sit down with their bass player Neil Fairclough after an incredible show the previous night, I jumped at the chance. Neil is a consumate professional with an eye for detail and real passion for music, combine that with a typically dry British wit and humbleness and it's no wonder he has held down the low end for one of the biggest bands on the planet for the last 10yrs or so. Massive thanks to Neil for making to the time to chat with me. Follow Neil on Instagram @neilmfairclough

Ep. 57 - Dave Boonshoft - President of Aguilar May 07, 2020

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Dave Boonshoft is the president of Aguilar Amplification (New York), known for their high-quality bass heads, cabinets, preamps, pickups and effects pedals for bass players. Dave’s history in the music industry is rich and diverse, with a long career including stints as a Jazz bassist, having performed with the Momma and Pappas, working with seminal Hip Hop label Def Jam and running soulful electronic label Naked Music. Noisegate was lucky enough to speak with Dave on his recent visit to Australia. We got together over at Noisegate HQ talk about everything Aguilar, including their silver anniversary, design approach to their products and much more. https://noisegate.com.au/one-on-one-with-dave-boonshoft-from-aguilar-amplification/ https://www.facebook.com/noisegateAUS/ https://www.facebook.com/bassguitarlessonsmelbourne/

Ep. 56 - Anthony Wellington - Bassology, Victor Wooten Mar 28, 2020

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Anyone who gets the call to play bass for Victor Wooten needs to be taken seriously, and Anthony Wellington is that guy. Not only is he an incredible performer but Anthony is a world renowned educator with his very on curriculum called Bassology. It was a real joy to spend some time with Anthony and get an insight into his history as a player and also some epic knowledge bombs with regards to his teaching practices!

Ep. 55 Max Moran - Nicholas Payton Jan 22, 2020

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As artists, we try to combine all of our influences to create something new. Bassist Max Moran has achieved that with his album, Neospectric. The forward-thinking jazz album, which is anchored by his band of the same name, blends styles and genres for a beautiful flow over tight grooves. His unique sound came naturally as he forged his musical identity in sonic melting pot of New Orleans, playing with artists ranging from the Donald Harrison Quintet to The Bridge Trio to Nicholas Payton. Music is also a bit of a family tradition as his cousin is famed jazz pianist Jason Moran. Check out Neospectric here: https://maxmoranandneospectric.bandcamp.com/

Ep. 54 Nigel Rivers - Erykah Badu, The Gritz Nov 18, 2019

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Texan native Nigel Rivers has had a fascinating path to his current position as top call bassist for artists such as Erykah Badu and the Gritz. An alumni of NTSU, Nigel has killer chops and a deep musicality that make him a formidable musician and first call session player in his current home town of LA. It was a pleasure to hear his story and learn about his approach to being a professional musician in today's highly competitive climate. Follow him on instagram @nigelonbass

Ep. 53 Felix Pastorius - Hipster Assassins, Onyx Collective, Yellowjackets, Mu'tet Jul 16, 2019

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Felix Pastorius!!! A true gentlemen and rising star of the bass guitar, it was a privilege to get to spend some time with Felix and hear more about his philosophy on music and life as well as some insights into his musical journey and family life. http://www.basslessonsmelbourne.com http://www.facebook.com/bassguitarlessonsmelbourne

Ep. 52 Jay Bratten - Drake/Mark Ronson/Musiq Soulchild May 24, 2019

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Born and raised in Delaware, Bratten grew up in a musical family. He was influenced by his father, James Bratten Sr. who played the bass guitar and directed the choir at church. His mother and sister sang in the choir along with other local groups. Gracing many stages, Bratten has had the opportunity to play with an plethora of artists including Drake, Jill Scott, Mark Ronson, Eric Roberson Musiq Soulchild, Mario Barrett, Fantasisa, Jaguar Wright, Flo Rida , Martha Munazzi, Tye Tribbett, Anthony Brown, to name a few. Bratten’s Discography includes the work of J. Cole “Born Sinner”, Tasha Cobbs “Grace”, JJ Hairston "No Reason to Fear", Tye Tribbett “Fresh”, Angela Johnson “It’s Personal”, as well as Musiq Soulchild “A Philly Soul Christ" https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hymns-my-way/881632989 https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ordered-by-you/1369918505?i=1369918507 https://jaybrattenmusic.com/bio

Ep. 51 Leland Sklar - James Taylor/Phil Collins/TOTO Mar 08, 2019

Show notes

Leland Sklar is a true living legend of the music world. Having played on over 2,500 recordings, toured the world with such iconic acts as James Taylor, Phil Collins and Toto along with numerous television appearances around the globe, Lee Sklar is a bass player you've probably already heard more than you know. It was an absolute honour to spend a few hours with Lee at my home studio while he had a day off from the Phil Collins tour and it's my pleasure to bring this interview to you all!

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